A proposal to turn a Pinner car park into houses met with considerable opposition from neighbours.

Gort Scott Architects and representatives from Harrow Council met with members of the public on Wednesday to discuss their concerns and hear their alternative suggestions for the facility.

According to the council, the Waxwell Lane car park is underused which puts it in the firing line for redevelopment as the authority seeks to make up a shortfall in its finances.

However many residents argue that turning the facility into housing would lead to a shortage in available parking for workers, residents and shoppers.

Harrow Times:

Julie Waller has lived in Pinner for nearly 20 years. She expressed her concerns that the high street would lose its vitality if parking became scarce.

“A lot of free space is being taken up by accommodation. The top of the high street could become a dead area,” she said.

“It would be fine if there was enough parking for the houses they plan to build but there isn’t. They plan to have half a space per abode because of the close proximity to public transport.

“People have grave concerns that this is a done deal.”

Valerie Landon criticised the lack of choice offered by the council, and stated one of the options offered should be the retention of the car park in its current state.

“This is just a series of building plans – it’s not a choice,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Ruth Boff.

“Nowhere does it say ‘if’ this development happens – it is a load of rubbish,” she exclaimed.

“Harrow Council says it is an exciting development – well not for us. The residents of Pinner aren’t excited, they are furious.”

However project manager Diana Ibáñez López said all options were being considered at this preliminary stage.

She explained the Waxwell Lane car park was just one site earmarked for redevelopment by the council in order to make its assets more profitable.

“This is a consultation into the potential development of the car park. We’re encouraging public input,” she explained.

“It is the least used car park in Pinner and doesn’t have sufficient coach access so it is likely to have the least impact.

“The quality of the development will make Pinner residents happy – it will support Pinner and the high street.”

She stressed the fact that no deal was finalised and stated further public consultations would be carried out before a decision was reached.  

The other car parks in the area include Love Lane, which serves a busy medical centre, and Chapel Lane.

The council states that without the Waxwell Lane car park, there are more than 350 council-run car parking spaces in Pinner, and more than 1,000 spaces including those at private car parks at nearby supermarkets and the train station.